The celebration of 'Los Oficios' (Holy Office) in the chapel of the old university

Holy Week in Salamanca

One of the oldest customs, and one which lasted through all the years of the Republic, is the celebration of Los Oficios (Holy Office) in the chapel of the old university, next to the ashes of Fray Luis.

The liturgical and academic ceremony is held on Maundy Thursday, and considered by the university staff as a supplementary staff meeting. As los oficios was traditionally held in the morning, a typical breakfast of hot chocolate, cakes and sweet sponge was served to the worshippers, and although now the time of the ceremony has changed, the customary 'breakfast' is still served.

All the professors wear their academic robes, take a turn holding the candle, and are individually incensed with a chalice inside a crystal urn hung from an arch of the 10th century.